New Delhi, February 17: On the second day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, senior policymakers emphasized that ‘Sovereign AI’ will empower India to control how AI systems are developed, implemented, and operated. This approach aims to tackle real challenges in sectors like health, education, agriculture, and financial inclusion, enabling citizens to access services in their own languages.
According to an official statement, Abhishek Singh, Director General of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), clarified that Sovereign AI does not mean working in isolation. He noted that it will enhance service accessibility for citizens and improve their quality of life.
Rishi Bal, CEO of IndiaGen, stated that AI should be adopted in phases, starting with governance, citizen services, and finance. The Ministry of Electronics and IT highlighted that a shared digital infrastructure and common models will foster rapid and secure innovation.
He further emphasized the need for national models and infrastructure for AI sovereignty that can be widely utilized, while also providing startups with opportunities for innovation. He insisted that such an ecosystem can only be developed through collaboration across the country.
These insights were shared during a session titled ‘Scaling Impact from India’s Sovereign AI and Data.’ The discussion focused on ensuring that India not only remains a consumer of AI but also becomes a significant producer of essential AI systems globally.
The panel stressed the importance of addressing the lack of deep research talent and long-term investment in innovation. They asserted that genuine AI potential cannot be realized through short-term measures but requires a robust research framework and better guidance.
The session also highlighted the need to align advanced AI research with national priorities such as financial inclusion, agriculture, health, and education. Speakers emphasized that AI should be tailored to meet India’s development goals, ensuring meaningful and inclusive outcomes.
The five-day summit will conclude on February 20, with over 100 government representatives expected to attend, including more than 20 heads of state, 60 ministers, and deputy ministers. Additionally, over 500 global AI experts, including CEOs, founders, academics, researchers, CTOs, and philanthropic organizations, are participating.
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My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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